Cable adj. part of drive replacement?

[Skagit]

Hi all-

1995 Maxum 2400 SCR/Merc 5.0/Alpha I.

Picked up the new boat from the surveyor and noticed a minor grind/clunk when shifting. Is a throttle cable adjustment a required/standard part of replacing a drive after a service? They didn't mention it during the survey, and I've read that Mercs aren't exactly silky in the shift, so I'm wondering if it's normal or if they didn't adjust it when re-installing the drive (if required).

Also have a transitory vibration at high load/rpm (i.e. getting on plane). It's smooth in any other operating condition, even at the same rpm. Any ideas as to what that could be?

Thanks!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Cable adj. part of drive replacement?

I don't know the specifics of what they did or shouldn't have done.... but a "cluck" is perfectly normal when shifting. Grinding, not so much. You want to shift with a firm throw - don't try to baby it into gear. Also, make sure your RPM's are not too high.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Cable adj. part of drive replacement?

For the vibration getting on a plane, I'd look at the condition of the prop first.

 

[Skagit]

Re: Cable adj. part of drive replacement?

For the vibration getting on a plane, I'd look at the condition of the prop first.

Thanks for the suggestion. The prop is kind of chewed up. I have a brand new one that came with the boat and was planning on putting it on this winter.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Cable adj. part of drive replacement?

The throttle cable would have no effect on the shift. There are, however 2 shift cables. One that goes from the helm control box to the converter and the "short" or "lower" cable that goes from there to the drive.

As stated shifting is to be done in a brisk and meaningful way or the grinding you hear is your clutch dogs getting chipped. It's IN or OUT no in between.

Shift adjustment should not be needed just for the R & R of a drive.

If the engine seems to bog or die coming out of reverse when running on land (with muff or course) it can be a sign of the lower cable getting stiff. And NO there is no way to lube these cables as they are made not to be. When they get stiff it means something has worn out inside and lube won't be of much help.